Lake Elsinore, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Section 5.110.030 makes it unlawful to use any public or private property, facility or residence in the City to shoot a commercial motion picture, television program or still photograph without a permit issued by the Film Permit Officer, defined at § 5.110.020 as the Director of Community Services or a designee. Exemptions in § 5.110.040 cover private family filming, on-the-spot news coverage, IRS 501(c)(3) charitable productions, filming done at a fixed studio, and government or public-access cable programming, but only if the shoot will not close a public street or substantially impede traffic.

Under § 5.110.060, routine applications must be filed at least one working day before filming begins, while any shoot that interferes with traffic or involves stunts, special effects or is otherwise deemed extraordinary needs seven working days' notice. Section 5.110.050 lets the Film Permit Officer set location conditions based on the health and safety of persons, disruption to the affected area, property safety and traffic congestion, and § 5.110.070 requires a decision within three business days unless the request needs extended review by other departments or public safety agencies.

Section 5.110.080 puts all associated fees on a Council-adopted resolution schedule, paid when the completed application is submitted. Notification duties under § 5.110.100 require written notice to affected residents and businesses, including 72-hour advance notice within 300 feet for any residential filming between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and notice to everyone within 300 feet if the shoot runs more than two days including setup and strike.